The Tony Award-winning musical “Annie” arrived in Boston, one of the 57 stops of their 2023-24 North American Tour, bringing many young, talented actors — and audiences — hopes for a brighter tomorrow.
Directed by Jenn Thompson and with scores by Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin, the musical, adapted from a comic strip, is a phenomenon. With productions on Broadway, London’s West End and several movie adaptations, the little red-haired orphan Annie has conquered hearts since 1924.
Rainer Trevino, who plays Annie in the 2023-24 North American Tour, said she is “honored to bring this spunky icon of optimism and resilience to life.”
“This musical means hope and friendship,” Trevino said.
In the show, Annie hopes to find her real parents, who left her in an orphanage as a baby. As the iconic overture of the musical echoed in the historic walls of Boch Center – Wang Theatre, the public was transported to a place amid nostalgia and optimism.
“Annie” is Trevino’s 13th professional role and even though she shines on the stage, she told The Suffolk Journal in a press conference held by Headliners in Education that the road to getting the leading part wasn’t easy.
“I knew that ‘Tomorrow’ would be a very vocally taxing number so I trained up until September,” Trevino said.
Savannah Austin, Ariana Guller, Avery Hope, Addie James, Kylie Noelle Patterson and Jade Smith are the actors who, along with Trevino, play the orphans living a “Hard Knock Life” in the orphanage ruled by a despicable woman named Miss Hannigan.
When asked about the most memorable moments together, Hope gasped with a smile and said “Ah, memories!” They said they love to play games before going on stage and their memories during the tour ranged from a go-to restaurant in Kentucky to Disney World.
“My favorite memory was when we did the first readthrough of the script. I feel like we’ve just come so far. The directors and choreographers have done so much,” said Guller. “It’s just wow!”
The kids are joined by Miss Hannigan, played by Stefanie Londino, who plays the role so well that she becomes a villain the audience loves to hate. Christopher Swan plays the leading role of Oliver Warbucks, the millionaire who creates a special father-daughter bond with Annie, and when Swan sang “Something Was Missing,” it warmed my heart.
President Franklin Delano Roosevelt is also portrayed in “Annie” by Mark Woodard. Who imagined that FDR would be singing “Tomorrow” with Annie? It is a fantastic scene.
One of the most popular additions to the cast is Seamus, the dog who plays Sandy, a stray dog that Annie befriends. He appears in pivotal moments such as when Annie runs away from the orphanage and when Warbucks finds Sandy and gives him to Annie as a Christmas gift.
“Annie” is a cheerful, bright and extremely beautiful musical. The cast is one of the most talented groups of people I’ve ever seen and Trevino hits all of the right notes as Annie.
When asked how the Boston crowd reacted to their first performance, the girls said people in the audience were calling them “Rockstars” in the middle of the show on their opening night.
“That will definitely stay with us forever,” said Hope.
“Annie” is playing at Boch Center until Feb. 11.
